Opawa Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019

December 3, 2019By Yvonne

Opawa Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019 $20 Named after the Opawa River whose flow shaped the vineyard soil profile (and a local, native wetland area), the team at Nautilus Wines (led by Brett Birmingham) have designed this range of wines to bring real personality and value to lovers of Marlborough wines.  Being part of the AMW … Read More

Misha’s Vineyard Cantata Central Otago Pinot Noir 2018

December 3, 2019By Yvonne

Misha’s Vineyard Cantata Central Otago Pinot Noir 2018 $30 The good folk at Misha’s Vineyard have explained that a ‘Cantata’ is taken from the Italian word ‘cantere’, which means ‘to sing’.  It’s a vocal composition with an instrumental accompaniment apparently, and rather more complex than “I Wanna Be Sedated” (which was a great song by … Read More

Mission Estate Hawke’s Bay Reserve Old Vine Semillon 2018

December 2, 2019By Yvonne

Mission Estate Hawke’s Bay Reserve Old Vine Semillon 2018 ($29) Paired with Zucchini and Cherry Tomato Nicoise Salad in Canvas Sat Dec 7th 2019 No sooner had I read this recipe, I hurtled to the supermarket to get the ingredients because I had the perfect wine.  The Mission Estate Hawke’s Bay Reserve Old Vine Semillon … Read More

Spade Oak Voysey Series Gisborne Pinot Gris 2019

December 2, 2019By Yvonne

Spade Oak Voysey Series Gisborne Pinot Gris 2019 ($18.50) Paired with Chickpea and Eggplant Salad – Canvas Sat Dec 7th 2019 Pair the earthy awesomeness of this vegan dish with a wine real vavoom.  The Spade Oak Voysey Series Gisborne Pinot Gris 2019 ($18.50) is crafted from the Italian clone of pinot gris, known as … Read More

Nautilus Estate Marlborough Albariño 2019

December 2, 2019By Yvonne

Nautilus Estate Marlborough Albariño 2019 ($29) Paired with Gazpacho by Annabel Langbein Canvas Dec 7th 2019 One of the greatest food and wine combos to ever occur is that of this superlatively lovely Spanish soup and a sip or seven of Spain’s signature white wine, albariño.  Happily, Clive Jones and his scarily talented team in … Read More

Dunstan Road Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014

November 28, 2019By Yvonne

Dunstan Road Reserve Central Otago Pinot Noir 2014 $35-$40 From beside the famous ‘Rail Trail’ comes a pinot noir that’s plush and lush and stitched together with spiced cherry and soused plum flavours.  Five years on from harvest and the acidity is still holding strong, yet the tannins are soft and dusty and velvety.  It’s … Read More

Bald Hills Central Otago Pinot Gris 2016

November 28, 2019By Yvonne

Bald Hills Central Otago Pinot Gris 2016 $30 Pete Bartle is a winemaker that stamps his signature on everything he touches, meaning if it’s pinot gris – it’s gonna be worth getting his autograph for sure!  After three years in the bottle, 2016 is really hitting its straps, texturally it’s dry and has that pear-skin … Read More

Kereru Brewing Fab-Yule-Ous Fig and Pohutukawa Honey Golden Ale

November 25, 2019By Yvonne

Kereru Brewing Fab-Yule-Ous Fig and Pohutukawa Honey Golden Ale (500ml  $11.99 5%abv) This festive brew hits that sweet spot between rich, heady, Belgian malted magic, with fresh honeycomb and toffee-brittle notes, alongside fresh hop and fruity, peachy perfection.  Hints of Christmas pudding spice and figgy layers sneak through, making it a beautifully balanced brew that’s … Read More

Dunstan Road Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016

November 20, 2019By Yvonne

Dunstan Road Central Otago Pinot Noir 2016 $36 I get so excited when I see a new pinot noir release from Dunstan Road, because they have a signature freshness and florality and buckets of perky spices.  Cherry, redcurrant, cranberry flavours are followed by fresh mushroom and delicately spicy notes make it a total delight to … Read More

Dunstan Road Central Otago Pinot Gris 2018

November 20, 2019By Yvonne

Dunstan Road Central Otago Pinot Gris 2018 $25 Hand’s down this is one of the best pinot gris I’ve tasted all year.  Delicately scented with nashi, white peach and notes of nana’s bathroom cupboard (talc, coldcream, lavendr), while on the palate it is plush with pear, poached quince, honeysuckle and soft spices.  The acidity dances … Read More